Having a hurricane emergency kit at home can help us cope with the phenomenon much more calmly, but mainly with greater security.
We know that after a hurricane, some goods may be scarce so the objective of these emergency kits is that you have your own water, food and supplies on hand to survive on your own for at least 72 hours.
You don’t have to wait to be on a hurricane alert to prepare your emergency kit. In fact, we recommend you do it as soon as possible to review the list and take into account the particular needs of your family, your pets and your home.
Below we explain:
- How to prepare an emergency kit to always have on hand, either at home or to take to a shelter in case of evacuation.
- How to prepare an emergency kit of the property, to leave at home.
- How to maintain your emergency kits.
How to prepare an emergency kit to always have on hand, either at home or to take to a shelter in case of evacuation.
We advise you to store the following items in the minimum number of packages needed, so that you can move them from one location to another more easily and not forget items.
Basic and indispensable:
- Waterproof plastic bag to protect:
- Important documents of the whole family: Identifications, passports, prescription drugs, wills, property titles, insurance policies, etc.
- Cash.
- First aid kit and essential medicines. It should include aspirin, antibiotic cream and antacids.
- Radio batteries, flashlights and enough spare batteries.
- Candles in glass container.
- Matches or butane lighter, in a waterproof container.
- Plastic bags.
- Wet wipes.
- Whistle for help.
- Manual can opener
- Chlorine, iodine drops or tablets to purify water.
- Extra set of keys.
- Wrenches or pliers.
- Victorinox knife.
- Water. 4 liters per person, per day, for at least 3 days.
- Non-perishable food for at least 3 days. Some ideas: Canned meat, fish, fruits and legumes. Canned soups and powdered milk. Powdered drinks or individual serving. Cereal bars, peanut butter and jam. Instant coffee and tea.
- Personal items:
- Toilet paper.
- Warm clothes, bedding and / or sleeping bags / hammocks.
- If you have a baby at home:
- Wet wipes.
- Formula for infants.
- Baby bottles
- Diapers
- Ointment for diaper rash.
- If you have pets:
- Pet food.
- Additional water.
Additional supplies:
- Kitchen equipment:
- Solid alcohol stove or portable camping grill.
- Dishes, glasses and disposable utensils.
- Napkins and paper towels.
- Aluminum to wrap.
- Ice cooler and enough ice.
- Personal items:
- Soap and detergent.
- Books, games, puzzles and other activities for children.
Download this checklist by clicking here. You can print it and take it with you to prepare your emergency kit to always have on hand.
How to prepare an emergency kit of the property, to leave at home.
This kit does not need to be taken to a shelter.
- Written instructions on gas, electricity, heater and stove connections and how to disconnect them if necessary.
- Nails, adhesive tape and wood.
- Candles in glass containers.
- Enough coal for a week.
- Butane lighter.
- Ax.
- Mountain range.
- Rope.
- Work gloves.
- At least 5 meters of jerga.
- Hammer.
- Cutter.
- Screwdriver.
- Thick plastic bags.
Download this checklist by clicking here. You can print it and take it with you to prepare your emergency kit for your property.
How to maintain my emergency kits.
- Be sure to store food in a cool dry place.
- Store food in tightly closed containers.
- Discard and replace expired items.
- Each year review the list and update the kit according to the new needs of your family.